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Ruth Reisman, AuD MBA, is a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser in New York state and is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. She is an associate adjunct professor for the CUNY Graduate Center and Touro College in their audiology and communication departments. Dr. Reisman’s research and methods in the assessment and treatment of hearing disorders in some of the most challenging cases have been awarded and recognized within the field of audiology. Learn More about Dr. Reisman
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Hearing aids are an investment in your hearing health, but the hefty price tag might not be in your budget. Traditional in-office hearing aids may come at a considerable cost, with some brands charging up to $4,000 per device. To expand consumer access to hearing aids and improve affordability, the FDA has established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Effective October 17, 2022, OTC hearing aids are now available directly to consumers,3 generating potential cost savings for individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids do not require professional advice, fitting, adjustment, or maintenance. SeniorLiving.org’s team of experts will continue to update our OTC analysis and hands-on reviews as additional FDA-registered OTC hearing aids continue to hit the market.
Let’s dive into which OTC hearing aids surpassed the competition.
Jabra Enhance’s product lineup, pricing, high-tech features, and dedicated customer support make it a standout in the OTC hearing aid industry, as it offers excellent bang for your buck. With three BTE hearing aid models to choose from (two rechargeable models and one traditional battery-operated model), Jabra Enhance provides advanced hearing aid solutions to individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
These Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids provide direct stereo streaming for all Apple devices and most Androids. Purchasing a new pair of Jabra Enhance hearing aids is easy; simply order online or over the phone, and your devices will be sent straight to your door! We’re big fans of Jabra Enhance’s three years of follow-up care from the Jabra Enhance audiology team that comes with premium packages. Help is just a phone or video call away if you ever have issues with your hearing aids or you notice a change in hearing loss.
In November 2022, Lively partnered with Jabra to create a new brand: Jabra Enhance. The company offers all the same Lively hearing aids customers know and love, just under a new name.
Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids
Jabra Enhance’s hearing aid prices range from $1,195 to $1,995 per pair. While these aren’t the cheapest devices on our list, the prices are less expensive than other premium brands like Phonak and ReSound. Plus, Jabra Enhance offers affordable monthly financing options starting as low as $39 per month with basic packages.
Overall, Jabra Enhance offers high-tech hearing aids with all of the essential features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise-canceling technology, tinnitus management, and a mobile app for easy adjustments. Every premium Jabra Enhance package comes with a three-year warranty and three years of follow-up care, so you can easily chat with a doctor and make remote adjustments from the comfort of your own home. Jabra Enhance also offers basic packages if you’re not looking for follow-up care or want to skip the online hearing test. With a 100-day risk-free trial, Jabra Enhance makes it easy to take their devices for a test drive. Visit our Jabra Enhance hearing aid review to learn more.
Pro Tip: If you’re one of the 60 million Americans suffering from tinnitus,1 Jabra Enhance has you covered! Jabra Enhance hearing aids include personalized tinnitus management and a Tinnitus Sound Generator, making it a solid choice for our best hearing aids for tinnitus list.
MDHearing offers four FDA-registered hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Their BTE and ITE hearing aid models are customizable with noise reduction and feedback cancellation to meet your hearing needs. MDHearing’s most popular model is the VOLT. This rechargeable hearing aid is equipped with a powerful battery, with a full charge lasting up to 20 hours! When your hearing aids need a recharge, pop them onto the easy-to-use magnetic charger.
MDHearingAid devices
MDHearing’s pricing is refreshingly transparent! MDHearing’s prices range from $299.98 to $699.98 per pair, thanks to sales advertised on the MDHearing website often bring the price down, saving you hundreds of dollars.
With MDHearing, you get high-quality hearing aids at a fraction of the cost of hearing aids purchased in-office. Bonus points go to MDHearing for offering models with long battery life. MDHearing’s team of hearing instrument specialists guides you through the process of setting up and customizing your hearing aid. Plus, every hearing aid has free shipping and a 45-day trial, so there’s no risk in seeing if they’ll meet your needs. To learn more about this company, read our MDHearing review.
Pro Tip: Properly caring for your hearing aids is an important part of your hearing health. Check out our in-depth how to clean hearing aids guide for more details.
Eargo has been well respected in the hearing aid industry for many years, supplying a line of highly functional, discreet, and comfortable hearing aids. With four completely-in-canal (CIC) models for mild to moderate hearing loss, Eargo earned high marks on our best invisible hearing aids list. CIC hearing aids offer high cosmetic appeal as they’re virtually invisible in size. All four of Eargo’s models are rechargeable, and the latest model, the Eargo 7, stands out. Packed with features like automatic sound adjustment, noise reduction, and voice and tone indicators, the Eargo 7 offers top-notch tech. Right now, you can even save $300 on this new model.
FYI: For a limited time, you can save $300 on the Eargo 7 new model.
Eargo 6 Hero Hearing Aids
The cost of Eargo’s hearing aids ranges from $1,850 to $2,950 per pair. If you’re looking for a manufacturer with financing options, you’ll be pleased to know that Eargo offers financing terms for 12 to 24 months to make their hearing aids more affordable.
Hear better with Eargo’s discreet and comfortable CIC hearing aids. We’re impressed with Eargo’s best-in-class service. After purchasing your Eargo hearing aids over the phone or online, you’ll receive a personalized consultation from a licensed hearing professional via phone, text, email, or video chat. For a look at our experience with Eargo, check out our hands-on Eargo review.
Did You Know? Active military members and veterans can save 20 percent on the Eargo 7 or Eargo 6. If you or your loved one has served, take advantage of this great deal!
Lexie OTC hearing aids were developed by hearX Group, an award-winning company with a mission to provide access to affordable hearing healthcare. Lexie offers three OTC hearing aid options: one behind-the-ear (BTE) model and two nearly invisible receiver-in-canal (RIC) models. Lexie made our list for its subscription option, which allows you to finance your hearing aids over a 24-month period and offers extra perks like regular shipments of accessories.
Lexie’s B1 and B2 RIC OTC hearing aids are powered by Bose, delivering an impressively clear and natural sound experience. The Lumen, Lexie’s BTE OTC hearing aid, is a fantastic choice for active, on-the-go adults. Its innovative sweatproof technology extends the device’s lifespan. Lexie’s line of OTC hearing aids come packed with advanced features you’d find on higher-priced hearing aids.
Lexie Lumen Hearing Aid
Lexie Lumen’s three OTC hearing aids are priced at a fraction of what you’d pay for a prescription hearing aid at your local audiologist’s office. The latest model, the B2 Powered by Bose, is $999 per pair, and the B1 Powered by Bose is $849 per pair. The company’s lowest-priced pair, the Lexie Lumen, is $799.
If paying in full is a stretch for your budget, Lexie offers a 24-month subscription plan for shoppers who purchase directly through Lexie. There’s a one-time, nonrefundable security payment, and then you’ll pay for your hearing aids in monthly installments. For example, the B2 OTC hearing aid is $49 per month for 24 months. The monthly subscription option includes free batteries, extra accessories, and a protection plan.
Shopping Tip: Looking for other ways to purchase a Lexie model? Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aids can be purchased at Walgreens. All three Lexie models are available at Best Buy.
With adaptive noise reduction, feedback management, and multiple listening environments, Lexie’s line of OTC hearing aids earned high marks. Its hearing aid support is stellar, as Lexie experts are available by video call, phone call, or through the Lexie App on your phone. Talk about setting you up for hearing aid success! Head over to our Lexie hearing aid review for more details on how Lexie’s OTC hearing aids stack up against competitors.
After finding out that Medicare does not cover hearing aids, many older adults begin their search for an affordable hearing aid that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Otofonix is a direct-to-consumer brand that comes to the rescue! Otofonix sells six BTE models, each with unique features and capabilities like directional microphones, sound environment settings, and digital sound processing. Otofonix reports that their direct-to-consumer hearing aids offer up to 90 percent savings as compared to traditional hearing aids.2 The company is always running a sale, so you can save even more on your hearing aids.
Otofonix Apex Hearing Aids
Otofonix’s wallet-friendly hearing aids made it onto our best cheap hearing aids list for a good reason! When comparing Otofonix devices and prices to leading prescription hearing aid providers, we found this company offers excellent value. Their most affordable model starts at $248 for a single hearing aid, and their most expensive model caps out at $1,590 per pair. The price includes the hearing aid, charging accessories or batteries to get you started, and hearing aid accessories like cleaning supplies, a travel case, domes, and sound tubes. This company also regularly offers sizable discounts for holidays or specials, so keep an eye out for deals if the price is still on the higher end of your budget.
Did You Know: Otofonix tends to run frequent sales. Right now, the most expensive model (The Groove) is going for $795 instead of the original $1,590 per pair price.
Of the providers on this list, Otofonix gives seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss the most bang for their buck. Otofonix’s low prices, free shipping, financing plans, and complimentary accessories add up to big savings. These streamlined hearing aids are easy to operate, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Check out our hands-on review of Otofonix to learn more about this provider.
Pro Tip: Our hearing aid buying guide walks you through hearing tests, purchasing options, and how to fine-tune your hearing aids.
Jabra is part of GN Group, a leading hearing aid manufacturer with over 150 years in business. While they are in the same family of brands, Jabra is a separate brand from Jabra Enhance. This can get confusing since Jabra’s main OTC product is called the Jabra Enhance Plus. Jabra’s Enhance Plus earbud-style OTC hearing aids have a powerful microprocessor and innovative directional microphones to improve speech clarity and sounds. These devices look just like normal earbuds, so they are very discreet. Similar to prescription-grade hearing aids, the Jabra Enhance Plus comes with a dedicated app for personalizing and programming your earbuds to your hearing needs.
FYI: Jabra and Lively recently teamed up to create a new hearing brand: Jabra Enhance. Jabra still sells its Jabra Enhance Plus earbuds over the counter, but now you can also purchase Jabra Enhance — formerly known as Lively — hearing aids with more advanced features!
Jabra Enhance Plus
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are priced at $799 per pair or $26 per month, making it comparable to other OTC models. Some of the features include Bluetooth, water-resistant capabilities, and up to 12 hours of battery life.
Jabra Enhance Plus OTC hearing aids are available online and at participating Beltone locations nationwide with no appointment necessary. The Enhance Plus makes customizing your hearing aids, streaming music, and chatting with the grandkids a breeze. The Enhance Plus lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge, so these serve more so as situational aids. If you’re looking for an OTC hearing aid battery that goes the distance, check out the Fio by Lucid Hearing, as it supplies up to 16 hours of rechargeable battery life.
Did You Know? Wondering if you’re wearing your hearing aids correctly? We have you covered with an in-depth look at how to properly put in and remove your hearing aids.
From hearing device development to acoustic research, Lucid Hearing’s 40 years of industry experience truly makes it a hearing health company. With six OTC hearing aids to choose from, Lucid Hearing delivers a wide range of choices, so you’re not locked into one option. Discreet in-the-ear (ITE) and user-friendly BTE models are available. Features like listening modes, sound processing, and microphone type vary by model. Lucid’s product lineup includes rechargeable and battery-operated hearing aids.
FYI: Lucid Hearing has free hearing exam stations at over 500 Sam’s Club locations across the nation.
Lucid Audio
Lucid Hearing’s OTC hearing aid pricing ranges from $199.99 per pair for the Enrich BTE model to $999.99 per pair for the premium rechargeable Fio model.
Lucid Hearing’s OTC hearing aids are available at various retail outlets, including Sam’s Club and Best Buy; online through Amazon; or on Lucid Hearing’s website. Lucid Hearing’s broad selection of OTC hearing aid models is noteworthy in this new market.
Get ready to save some cash, as Go Hearing offers a wallet-friendly OTC solution for hearing optimization. Go Hearing is part of the hearX USA family. HearX has been providing hearing solutions to over 191 countries worldwide for more than seven years. If you don’t need an OTC hearing aid with all the bells and whistles, Go Hearing’s Go Lite ITE model is a solid option. Ideal for use in small groups or for watching TV, the Go Lite is a simple solution that will enhance your hearing needs without breaking the bank.
Go Hearing Aids
Priced at $199 per pair, Go Hearing’s Go Lite earned our most affordable OTC hearing aid. Keep in mind that as these hearing aids are very affordable, they offer fairly limited features and won’t be suitable for everyone.
Go Hearing OTC hearing aids are available at Best Buy and on the Go Hearing website. This is one of the most economical OTC hearing aids we’ve seen. The rechargeable battery is a powerhouse; it takes just two to three hours to fully charge the hearing aids, and you’ll get up to 30 hours of battery on a single charge. This no-frills OTC option won’t bust your budget and is ideal for older adults on a limited income who are in need of a hearing aid.
FYI: Searching for an affordable OTC hearing aid with more features? Go Hearing also offers the Go Prime (priced at $299 per pair). The Go Prime includes six channels, three preset programs, including noise reduction and feedback cancellation.
Our top FDA-registered OTC hearing aid contenders for mild to moderate hearing loss were chosen with great consideration. We evaluated a variety of criteria, including cost, functionality, remote care, battery life, features, and warranty.
OTC hearing aids will be more affordable than traditional hearing aids, and some of them even come with support from audiologists. All of the devices on this list will be suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss only.
Hearing aids can make a world of difference in the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, and it has been associated with serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dementia, reduced mobility, and falls.3
Unfortunately, conventional hearing aids can be very costly, and not everyone can afford the doctor visit, let alone the devices. This is where the FDA’s OTC hearing aids may come into play. OTC hearing aids are for individuals aged 18 and over who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss. These self-fitting hearing aids don’t require a hearing exam, an audiologist’s review, or approval from a medical practitioner, resulting in a more affordable price point. However, some OTC brands do offer online hearing tests and follow-up care, even though it is not required.
The FDA’s OTC hearing aid category aims to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. However, there are a few important considerations to be aware of, as you may be responsible for:
In the video below, Jeff Hoyt, editor-in-chief of SeniorLiving.org, speaks with Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser, about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act and how it could help millions of Americans.
Still unsure whether OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss are right for you? Let’s take a moment to weigh the potential pros and cons.
FYI: Personal sound-amplification products (PSAPs) are not the same as OTC hearing aids. PSAPs are intended for people with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain situations, such as recreational activities.5 FDA-regulated OTC hearing aids will be clearly labeled as such on the exterior packaging.
Since the FDA’s new hearing aid category has been approved, purchasing an OTC hearing aid may be as simple as stopping by your local drugstore. However, shopping can be a bit tricky if you don’t already know what to look for. To help you out, we’ve put together an explanation of a few important criteria to consider as you evaluate over-the-counter and prescription hearing aid options.
Whether you’d prefer a traditional battery-powered hearing aid or a rechargeable model, your hearing aid is only as good as its battery life. It’s essential to find out how long your hearing aid will last. No one wants their hearing aid to lose power in the middle of a conversation!
The outer packaging for all OTC hearing aids will note if the battery is rechargeable or replaceable. If the battery is replaceable, the packaging will include how many batteries are needed (and if they are included).
It’s important to give yourself adequate time to adjust to wearing your new hearing aids. This is why a generous return policy is crucial. Before making your purchase, check the OTC hearing aid return policy. This policy is set by the retailers and manufacturers, not the FDA, so time frames will vary.
Small but mighty, hearing aids are built with tiny electrical parts. So, what happens if your hearing aids stop working? A solid warranty ensures that the manufacturer can repair or replace your hearing aid at no additional cost within a specific time frame.
You’ll likely spend many hours wearing your hearing aids, so choose a lightweight device for optimal comfort. It’s also critical to consider how your hearing aids will fit, feel, and look. Are you in the market for a discreet, practically invisible hearing aid, or would you rather have one that is larger but easier to operate? Consider these questions as you explore your options.
All OTC hearing aids must be self-adjusting with a user-adjustable volume control. This key feature allows you to tune the volume to fit your situation (e.g., louder in noisy environments, softer in quiet environments). However, advanced individual customizations for OTC hearing aids are not required by the FDA.
Are you tech-savvy, or do you prefer a more hands-on hearing aid approach? Some OTC hearing aids depend on wireless technology via a smartphone or a personal computer to program and adjust the hearing aid. Think about what type of OTC hearing aid will work best for you, and look for those product specifications on the packaging.
Inside Tip: Overwhelmed by the number of OTC and medical-grade hearing aids to choose from? Check out our best hearing aids list for the inside scoop on top-ranked hearing aids and their standout features.
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Ruth Reisman, AuD MBA, is a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser in New York state and is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. After serving as an audiologist in the New York downstate hospital system, Dr. Reisman led the… Learn More About Dr. Ruth Reisman
Maureen joined SeniorLiving.org with more than 10 years of experience writing in health, lifestyle, and nutrition for premium brands like General Mills, Westinghouse, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Her passion for empowering older adults is evident in coverage of topics like retirement, health… Learn More About Maureen Stanley
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears and what to do about it.
Otofonix. (2022). Compare Hearing Aids.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021). Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Who are OTC hearing aids for?
The White House. (2022, Aug 16). Statement by President Joe Biden on FDA Hearing Aids Final Rule.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know.
